7-ketocholesterol induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes fibrosis: implications in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and treatment.

ABSTRACT: Oxidized cholesterols and lipids accumulate in Bruch's membrane in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It remains unknown what causal relationship exists between these substances and AMD pathophysiology. We addressed the hypothesis that a prevalent form, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), promotes choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) migration and macular neovascularization in AMD. Compared to control, 7KC injection caused 40% larger lectin-stained lesions, but 70% larger lesions measured by optical coherence tomography one week after laser-injury. At two weeks, 7KC-injected eyes had 86% larger alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-labeled lesions and more collagen-labeling than control. There was no difference in cell death. 7KC-treated RPE/choroids had increased αSMA but decreased VE-cadherin. Compared

SUBMITTER: Wang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8865553 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature